Nearly every camper who has attended 4-H State Camp at WVU Jackson’s Mill has been in the Council Circle. Now, West Virginia University Extension Service is inviting 4-H’ers and alumni to take part in the Council Circle Challenge to help renovate it.

The Council Circle Challenge – a year-long development campaign – calls upon the community to engage in a social media challenge through Facebook and Twitter. Participants interact and compete with others to reach a $25,000 fundraising goal, which will be partnered with a $100,000 gift from a family of 4-H and Jackson’s Mill alumni.

To fuel the competition, donations can be made on behalf of a specific 4-H tribe, or can be given without a tribe association. After donating, participants are given access to “I gave” social media graphics and are encouraged to share and challenge their friends to do the same.

The funding will renovate the existing Council Circle to include a new concrete foundation, drainage system, benches, Council Rock and totem poles. The second phase of improvements includes refreshing the surrounding areas of the Council Circle, with new walkways, lighting and steps through the wooded area around the Circle’s location.

The newly constructed Council Circle with comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing for more inclusion and improved accessibility to all campers, staff and visitors.

According to Debbie McDonald, WVU Extension Service 4-H Youth Development director, Council Circle is a key component of 4-H camping in West Virginia. It provides campers a place to gather, sing songs, perform skits and reflect on the day’s events.

To make a donation to help renovate and restore the main Council Circle at WVU Jackson’s Mill, visit councilcirclechallenge.kintera.org.

Stay up to date with the Council Circle Challenge by following @WVUExtension on Twitter or West Virginia 4-H on Facebook. The campaign ends in June of 2015.

For 100 years, WVU Extension Service has helped make the lives of young people better through 4-H youth development programs. WVU Extension Service, as part of WVU and its land-grant mission, continues to provide educational, life-skill building opportunities that allow for the growth and development of youths in all 55 counties of West Virginia.

-WVU-

bg/07/14/14

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.